CHATSWORTH - A pair of teenagers were safely removed from a perilous cliff in the northwest San Fernando Valley in a nearly two-hour effort by Los Angeles Firefighters.

Sixty-eight Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including two LAFD helicopters and an Urban Search and Rescue Team, were summoned at 6:58 P.M. on Tuesday August 16, 2011, to 10870 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Chatsworth, where witnesses reported a pair of teen males stranded on a cliff at Stoney Point, a municipal park popular with hikers and revered by climbing enthusiasts.


The local teens, both 18 years-old, reportedly separated from a group of friends in the rugged terrain, choosing a hillside path that led them to be trapped at dusk in a narrow and rocky recess more than 200 feet above the ground, making a helicopter-based rescue difficult.

Arriving quickly by ground and air, Los Angeles Firefighters hiked up steep and winding trails at sunset as an LAFD command helicopter lit their way to the top of the mountain with a 30 million candlepower spotlight. A second LAFD air ambulance helicopter, configured for hoist operations hovered nearby; as one of the first-arriving firefighters rappelled 50 feet down the sheer cliff to assess and prepare the young men both physically and mentally for rescue.

Confirming the teens to be uninjured - and explaining what lied ahead, the first firefighter was soon joined by a member of LAFD's Urban Search and Rescue unit, who separately placed each boy in a harness for the accompanied descent down the cliff, where the young men were reunited safely with friends and a parent.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Teens Rescued From Rocky Chatsworth Cliff by Los Angeles Firefighters

GRANADA HILLS - Two young children are fighting for survival at a Mission Hills hospital after nearly-drowning in the backyard pool of their Knollwood area home in the north San Fernando Valley.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was summoned at 4:42PM on Sunday, August 14, 2011 to 12055 Susan Drive in Granada Hills, where they found the lifeless body of a 2 1/2 year-old boy and his barely breathing triplet sister, who had moments earlier been rescued by their mother from the family's swimming pool.

According to witnesses, the mother had left the boy and girl playing together in a room within the large two-story residence, as she went to check on the third triplet and 7 year old sibling in another part of the home.

After an unspecified period, the mother returned to seek the boy and girl and determined them missing. A brief search of the premises led her to the swimming pool, where she discovered and rescued the submersed pair.

Two teams of LAFD Paramedics worked exhaustively and at the pinnacle of their skill to resuscitate the children. In the few minutes it took to arrive by ambulance at nearby Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, the responders had improved the girl's condition and restored the boy's pulse - giving them a fighting chance of survival, though both remained in critical condition.

With a focus on drowning prevention, the Los Angeles Fire Department was quick to stress the importance of its Pool Safely campaign, while highlighting the effectiveness of bystander poolside CPR that recently saved the life of another San Fernando Valley child.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Near-Drowning of San Fernando Valley Siblings Highlights Water Danger

CHATSWORTH - A grass fire on Independence Day in the northwest San Fernando Valley reported to have injured one or more persons, may have been sparked by illegal fireworks.

Fifty-five Los Angeles Fire Department personnel - including four LAFD helicopters, were summoned at 9:32 P.M. on Monday, July 4, 2011, to 10619 Andora Avenue in Chatsworth, where residents reported a grass fire at nearby Stoney Point, an iconic landmark and municipal park popular with hikers and revered by climbing enthusiasts.

According to witnesses, a thunderous explosion occurred before fire erupted near the site's massive outcroppings. Arriving quickly by ground and air, Los Angeles Firefighters hiked up steep and winding trails in the darkness to confine the wildfire, as LAFD helicopters flanked the blaze that scorched less than a half-acre of tinder-dry brush in the 43 minutes it took to fully extinguish the flames.

Despite an exhaustive search of rugged terrain across the 76-acre site nestled between the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains, firefighters were unable to find one or more persons that a witness said were burned in the fire. In seeking the those injured, firefighters discovered and took custody of a large cache of fireworks found atop the towering cliffs.

The specific cause of the blaze remains part of an active investigation by Los Angeles Police and Fire Department Investigators. Those with information about the event are asked to call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section at (213) 485-6095.


Dispatched Units: E107 E296 E87 T96 BC14 E496 BC15 E72 H4 H6 H1 H3 E106 E104 E103 BP8 AR2 RP88

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Illegal Fireworks Suspected Following Chatsworth Blaze

On Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 12:15 AM, 16 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 LAFD Helicopter, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 3 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 118 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daryl Arbuthnott, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 9654 Cozycroft Avenue in Chatsworth.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find fire through the roof above a pair of centrally located units that housed one of several businesses in a single-story eight-unit 160' x 300' industrial building.

Forcing entry through rolling steel doors of the wholesale clock firm involved in fire, scores of firefighters worked in unison to swiftly salvage key business records and computer equipment from the office, as their colleagues nearby held advancing flames at bay.

The offensive attack on the fire, accompanied by strategic vertical ventilation, continued unabated for more than 20 minutes, until the roof became untenable and portions of the structure began to give way.

 
A skillful transition to defensive operations prevented flames from spreading beyond the one business, as large hosestreams - including those from aerial ladders, were brought to bear against the inferno. The well-coordinated firefighting effort prevented the blaze from causing direct damage to a gymnastic club to the south or a metalworking firm to the north.

The flames were brought under control in just 63 minutes.

During the assault on the flames, one Los Angeles Firefighter sustained painful and potentially debilitating 2nd-degree burns to as much as nine-percent of his body, including hands and chest. He was taken in fair condition by LAFD ambulance to West Hills Hospital, home of the Grossman Burn Center, where he was treated in the Emergency Room and released to remain off-duty.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire loss to Bey-Berk International a timepiece wholesaler, is still being tabulated.

The cause of this midnight blaze remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighter Injured Battling Flames in Chatsworth

On Monday, April 18, 2011 at 6:06 AM, 6 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 39 Firefighters all under the direction of Battalion Chief Robert Willcox responded to a Structure Fire with Firefighter Injury at 11065 North Balboa Boulevard in Granada Hills.

The first Firefighter on-scene started his work day a little early, as he was driving to his Fire Station from home, he noticed smoke billowing out of a one-story 100' x 50' Commercial Strip Mall. He immediately contacted 9-1-1, provided a size-up, and assured no one was inside by speaking with a worker that arrived just seconds prior.


As additional Firefighters arrived and made entry into the structure, black smoke was banked down within one foot of the floor. Teams of Firefighters swiftly extended ground ladders to the roof of the 9,300 square-foot, multi unit structure to perform strategic vertical-ventilation with chainsaws, as their colleagues deployed hose-lines within the building to do battle with the flames.


One Firefighter made his way up a ladder to the conventional flat roof, and as he climbed down a four-foot parapet, he fell and seriously injured his left knee. His fellow Firefighters quickly came to his aid and it was deemed best to remove him from the roof via a hoist operation. An Aerial truck raised its ladder to the roof with a specialized basket attached to bottom of it, of which the injured Firefighter was placed inside and lowered to safety. The wounded Firefighter was transported to Holy Cross hospital where he was later released and will remain off-duty until healed.


The fire, described at "hot and smoldering", was confined to just one unit doing business as Chile's Mexican Food restaurant. The flames were fully extinguished in just 13 minutes, before any civilians were injured. The 52 year-old non-fire sprinklered building was equipped with properly working smoke alarms.


Monetary loss from the fire is estimated at $50,000 ($20,000 structure & $30,000 contents). The cause of the blaze was determined electrical in nature, and may be attributed to an overloaded electrical power strip found under a counter.



Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighter Injured While Battling Blaze in Granada Hills

On Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 3:04 PM, 4 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain and 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 33 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jose S-Cronenbold, responded to a Hazardous Materials Investigation at 8840 Vanalden Avenue in Northridge.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly in response to an "alarm ringing" notification from a security company, to declare liquefied natural gas vapor leaking from atop a 12,000 gallon vessel at a municipal fleet refueling and parking facility.

The findings escalated the incident to a Hazardous Materials Investigation, bringing additional LAFD personnel to to scene, including the Department's closest Hazardous Materials Task Force.

Establishing a perimeter and Command Post upwind from the leak, first-arriving firefighters determined the vapor to be dissipating vertically without imminent or escalating hazard.

The leaking container, one of three similarly sized upright and adjacent cylinders within the City of Los Angeles facility in an industrial neighborhood, had reportedly been in use after having been filled within the previous 2 days.

Working closely with the Plant Manager who had been summoned to the scene, LAFD HazMat experts deftly manipulated one or more valves adjacent to the tank to stem the vapor flow within 2 hours of arrival.

No injuries were reported.

Pursuant of protocol, the Health Hazardous Materials Division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department will handle the investigation to conclusion.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Hazmat Team Stems Gas Leak in Northridge

On Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 5:59 PM, 32 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 8 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Arson Units, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Emergency Air Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains and 6 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, a total of 205 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Daren Palacios, responded to a Major Emergency Structure Fire at 9260 Owensmouth Avenue in Chatsworth.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find smoke showing from a one-story 165' x 100' commercial building that appeared to be closed for the business day.

Forcing their way through rolling steel and entry doors, firefighters discovered extreme fire conditions throughout a graphics design and direct mail marketing firm heavily loaded with combustible printing and printed materials.

The offensive interior attack on the fire proved short lived as flames roared through the roof, compromising the structure within ten minutes of the 9-1-1 call that brought scores of Los Angeles Firefighters to the scene.
 
Within minutes of a swift and well-coordinated transition to defensive operations, the intense heat within the structure caused the catastrophic failure of a forklift mounted propane cylinder, propelling shrapnel through a section of rolling steel door that had yet to be opened.

As flames leapt more than 50 feet into the darkening sky, multiple large diameter hoselines were deployed from strategically placed aerial ladders and key ground locations, as teams of firefighters entered nearby businesses to limit the horizontal spread of fire.

Though full roof failure occurred during an early phase of the firefight, the masonry walls remained intact as firefighters streamed massive volumes of water into the burning structure well into the night.

The fire was confined within the business of origin, and fully extinguished in less than five hours. No injuries were reported.

With concern that changing weather was causing potentially irritating smoke from the fire to linger uncharacteristically at ground level, experts from the South Coast Air Quality Management District were summoned to assure neighborhood comfort and safety.


Fire loss to the firm of "Aaron, Thomas & Associates" is estimated at $7,000,000 ($5,000,000 contents and $2,000,000 structure). The cause of this fire remains under active investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Massive Fire Consumes Chatsworth Printing Firm

On Monday, September 13, 2010 at 1:50 PM, 15 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 3 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, 2 Brush Patrols, 1 Rehab Tender, 2 Fixed-wing Super Scoopers, 1 Ericksons Aircrane, & Los Angeles County Fire Department Personnel under the direction of Assistant Chief Patrick Butler responded to a Brush Fire at 19161 West Sesnon Boulevard in Porter Ranch.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived in force to find half an acre of light brush burning just north of Sesnon Boulevard and Tampa Avenue. With haste, additional help was immediately requested and a Unified Command was rapidly established between Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Firefighters swiftly anchored the flames that were spreading uphill and northward. Fortunately, the fire was moving away from local residences, being driven by the topography and a light five mph wind. The swift arrival of precise water-dropping aircraft, along with hard working Firefighters who labored on the ground by extending progressive hose lays up steep terrain, halted the flames by 2:40 PM, before the blaze could burn over the next ridge and out of control. It took over 200 Firefighters just one hour and two minutes to bring the flames under full containment, but not before the fire had charred a total of 37 acres of grass and brush. No structures were damaged during the incident and no formal evacuation went into affect. Unfortunately three LACoFD Firefighters were injured, one suffered chest pains and two others sustained bee stings; all three were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released. The cause of the fire remains under an active investigation.

Submitted by - Erik Scott, Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Brush Fire Halted Before Burning Out Of Control

Randall Opperman III, the son and grandson of active duty Los Angeles Firefighters, is in a brave fight for his life at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and needs your blood and platelets.

A blood drive to support young Randy and other children in medical need will be held:

Tuesday, July 20, 2010
7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Fire Station 87
10124 Balboa Boulevard
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Donors will be treated by firefighters to a pancake breakfast in the morning and lunch of Tri Tip sandwiches in the afternoon.

All blood types are needed. Those with medical questions - or who are interested in donating platelets, are encouraged to contact Childrens Hospital Blood Services directly at (323) 361-2441.

Our sincere thanks to the many who made this special blood drive a success. Though young Randy has been helped through your stunning generosity, other children remain in need. If you live near Los Angeles, you can save the life of a "future firefighter" by visiting: chla.org/donateblood

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman (and blood donor)
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Future Firefighter Needs Your Blood in Granada Hills This Tuesday

On Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 3:16 PM, 20 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 3 Helicopters, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Patrick Butler, along with Ventura County Fire Department all assisted the Los Angeles County Fire Department (Incident Commander) and responded to a Major Emergency Brush Fire just north of the West-Bound 118 Freeway crossing Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Chatsworth.

Firefighters arrived to find five acres of light to medium brush burning uphill. With the assistance of California Highway Patrol Officers cordoning off #2, #3 & #4 lanes of the freeway, firefighters swiftly anchored the flames as fire spread northward toward homes along Poema Place and Kanaina Court.

A well coordinated air and ground assault from the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department kept the fire from burning out of control, but not before the fire had charred over 10 acres of grass and brush.

The swift arrival of water-dropping helicopters, combined with nearby resident's compliance with strict brush clearance regulations, prevented any homes from being damaged.

Pursuant of protocol and due to the location of the fire, official public and media information regarding this wildfire, including the actions of the assigned 100 LAFD firefighters, will be provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which maintains daily jurisdictional authority of the area where the fire took place.

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Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Brush Fire Scorches 10 Acres Near Chatsworth

On Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at 3:58 PM, 11 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 4 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 4 Arson Units, 1 Rehab Unit, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 79 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Robert Willcox, responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 15739 Romar Street in North Hills.

Los Angeles Firefighters arrived quickly to find a heavily modified detached garage to the rear of a one-story single family home well involved with fire. The burning structure, haphazardly converted over time into a two-story living quarters, had fire through the roof soon after firefighters arrival.

With flames threatening nearby homes, firefighters navigated clutter and storage - as well as an empty swimming pool obscured by smoke, that was built close enough to limit ground ladder placement.

As their colleagues mounted a fierce attack on the flames, firefighters provided medical care to a 65 year-old male resident suffering from smoke exposure and a small burn injury. In fair condition, he was transported by LAFD Paramedics to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills.

The firefight proved challenging due to the highly compartmentalized nature of the structure, as well as pack-rat conditions within. It took the exhausting effort of 79 firefighters more than one-and-a-quarter hours to fully extinguish the flames. Many hours more were spent overhauling debris.

Despite the team effort of firefighters, one pet canine could not be found during or following the blaze, and is believed to have perished in the intense fire fueled by an abundance of interior storage.

The presence and functional status of legally required smoke alarms could not be immediately determined. The heavily modified building was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers, and suffered severe fire damage.

The fire was limited to the structure of origin. Loss from the blaze is estimated at $290,000 ($200,000 structure & $90,000 contents). The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Man Injured, Dog Perishes in Swift-Moving North Hills Fire

The Los Angeles Fire Department's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section is actively investigating a series of eight intentionally set fires that occurred in Northridge in the early morning hours of June 10, 2010.


View Larger Map with Detailed Information (or click, grab & zoom the map above!)
The fires, which primarily consisted of rubbish or small vegetation, occurred between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

Four similar fires that occurred in the area during April, at first considered a random spree of arson, are now being investigated as work of the same arsonist.

LAFD Investigators are urging residents to be alert for suspicious activity, and to minimize the threat of arson by abating dry vegetation, trash and debris. Property owners are also encouraged to use outdoor lighting, lock vehicles and place rubbish within covered trash cans in well-secured areas to curtail the possibility of arson.

The investigation into these purposely set fires is being led by the LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section, working closely with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Devonshire Community Police Station.

Anyone witnessing active fire, fire-setting or imminent danger to life and property is encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Those with information about this arson spree or other suspicious fires, should call the LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section office directly at (213) 485-6095.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Public Help Sought in Battling Northridge Arson Fires

On Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 11:15 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team and 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, a total of 38 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel under the direction of Battalion Chief Jeffrey Marcus, responded to a Structure Fire at 10012 Wilbur Avenue in Northridge.

Firefighters arrived quickly to find the attached garage of a one-story single family home well involved, with flames extending through a doorway to the attic.

Though the family of six had safely evacuated their residence - and properly remained outside the home prior to the arrival of firefighters, their two pet canines were trapped inside.

With information provided by the family, firefighters were able to promptly and efficiently rescue the dogs without injury.

Swift and decisive action by first arriving fire crews also prevented flames from spreading within the 2,820 square-foot home, limiting the bulk of fire damage to the garage, roof and attic of the recently remodeled home.

The fire was extinguished in just 25 minutes and no injuries were reported.

The aggressive and well-coordinated attack on the flames, combined with exhaustive salvage efforts and protection of personal property, allowed Los Angeles Firefighters to limit damage to $225,000 ($150,000 structure & $75,000 contents).

The displaced family stated a desire to seek their own accommodations.

The cause of this late morning blaze remains under investigation.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Rescue Dogs, Limit Loss in Northridge Blaze